1000% Reviews

Tag: fiction

  • Book Review: Catching Fire

    Book Review: Catching Fire

    After finishing the first Hunger Games, it took me a little bit to get into the second book, Catching Fire. In between these books, I’ve been starting the Riyria Chronicles as well as wrapping up Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Era 1 series. It was in this hiatus that I came to realize my favorite books are those that are grander in scope, with a lot of moving parts. Perhaps that’s why my favorite book/movie series of all time is the Lord of the Rings. I’m always open to more recommendations along those lines! Anyways, with the Hunger Games being a more singular character focused story of survival, I wanted a change of pace after finishing the first book, so I took a brief hiatus before getting started on Catching Fire.

    However, upon starting Catching Fire, I was pleasantly surprised. Catching Fire is a book that takes the opportunity to really expand the scope of the world of Panem, giving a much greater picture of what is going on. Katniss’ actions in the first book have now spiraled beyond her, resulting in a much more dynamic world where events don’t necessarily revolve around what the main character does. In fact, one of the primary transformations in the book that will likely also carry into the third book, Mockingjay, is Katniss’ acceptance that she has started something that is out of her control, and only with her acceptance of this, can she take back control and lead what she has started.

    As the book develops, we hear about rebellions throughout Panem, many of which Katniss never even witnesses, only hears about. We also get our first true introduction to President Snow, a seemly calm, but threatening figure, who wants to be seen as having a grasp the situation developing in Panem. But as the rebellion continues, it becomes clear even he has lost control of the population, forcing him to retaliate. It is this invisible power struggle between Katniss and President Snow that defines the majority of the book. With the next Hunger Games considered a “Quarter Quell”, Snow orchestrates a game where previous winners from each district must compete. This means sending Katniss and Peeta back into the arena, with a clear intention of killing them off, essentially cutting out the figureheads of the rebellion.

    Throughout the book, and even to the end, Katniss feels a lack of control. She seems to only see people at a surface level, resulting in confusion that is evident to the reader. As she is tossed back in the arena, she wonders why people are helping her survive, what does those outside the arena think of her, or in general, what is going on. This constant stream of confusion as to what is happening around her allows the romance established in the first book to take a backseat, with Katniss forced to protect both Gale and Peeta, not out of love, but necessity and to keep her sources of stability alive.

    This book in general, feels like it is a buildup for the third book, where Katniss likely will have to accept her role in the rebellion and take charge. The invisible showdown between President and Katniss will likely come to a head with the stakes higher than ever. This is a book that got me excited to start Mockingjay and I look forward to seeing how the story concludes.

  • Higurashi – When They Cry: Ch.1 Onikakushi Review

    Higurashi – When They Cry: Ch.1 Onikakushi Review

    Higurashi: When They Cry is a horror visual novel written and produced by 07th Expansion. The full game is split into eight chapters, that are each about 10 hours of gameplay. In this review, I’ll be focusing on Chapter 1: Onikakushi with 100% achievements (which are all easy to get).

    Warning: Spoilers Ahead

    Chapter 1 follows the journey of Keichii, a student from Tokyo who moves to a quiet village called Hinamizawa. At first, the game follows a typical slice-of-life formula, introducing his classmates, all girls, like a typical romance visual novel. Early on, Keichii meets Rena, Satoko, Mion, and Rika. Satoko and Rika are the kids that enjoy messing with the main character. Rena is introduced as a shy, but cute and bubbly girl. Mion is shown as confident and the leader of the pack. All in all, if Higurashi didn’t already have a reputation as a horror visual novel, one could expect Rena or Mion to eventually be a love interest to Keichii.

    In either case, the game takes its time to develop an emotional bond between Keichii and the other characters around him. For those who have previously read slice-of-life VNs, this is familiar territory, but for those looking for a scare, this can feel quite slow. I personally like the amount of time spent in slice-of-life territory. It puts the reader at ease and works to deepen the feelings of unease when the first horror elements are introduced. The first hints of these horror elements arrive when side characters are introduced. Tomitake, the cameraman from Tokyo, is the first to bring up the darker history of Hinamizawa, and what kicks off Keichii’s curiosity into the town’s past. Following the Watanagashi festival, his curiosity is only deepened and turned to fear with the introduction of Ooishi, a cop from Okinomiya. What both Tomitake and Ooishi have in common is their common identity as outsiders, at least in the villagers eyes. Neither are from Hinamizawa, therefore, neither should be there. At least, that is the vibe that is given after the story takes a dark turn….

    I love how the story takes this turn. The common identity between the side characters forces Keichii to reflect on his own identity. He, himself is from Tokyo,therefore he is also an outsider, regardless of whatever acceptance he initially felt. Keichii’s initial experience in Hinamizawa feels like an illusion that was carefully crafted by the village, to relax the prey before the town strikes. As outsiders slowly break Keichii’s illusions, the town begins to look more hideous. As the town itself realizes the gig is up, it turns on Keichii as well.

    Here is where the mystery truly begins. Characters we, along with Keichii have developed a bond with, suddenly began to act strange. Their personalities feel like a switch, going between what we already know and a hidden, murderous side. While Rena and Mion’s personalities initially feels natural, they’re sudden turn toward murderous intent makes the reader seriously question what is happening. Are they possessed? Do they just have some personality disorder that is triggered at specific points? Are they just natural killers pretending to be nice to lure in their prey? The tension is palpable and as the town turns increasely hostile towards Keichii, the reader feel the same fear and confusion as he does. By the time Keichii meets his fate, it almost feels inevitable, with the tension at an all time high. Yet, the reader is only left with more questions than answers. Why is the town like this? Is it supernatural? Is Keichii truly dead?

    Honestly, I can’t wait to pick up the next chapter and see where it goes. I look forward to discovering more about Hinamizawa and what truly drives the town.

    (Achievements Side Note): While you will naturally get most of the achievements just by reading through the story, there are two achievements you might have to go out of the way for. “Detective-Onikakushi” requires that you read all tips that are usually introduced between sub-chapters. If you miss any, make sure to read it after reading the main story. “Onikakushi Party” can be unlocked by attending the “after-party” after reading the main story. Following the main story, an “All-Cast review session” button will appear. After reading through it, you should get the achievement. I highly recommend reading it as it acknowledges many of the readers potential theories after Chapter 1 and proposes some others we might have missed!

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  • Book Review: The Hunger Games

    Book Review: The Hunger Games

    Recently, I was reintroduced to YA fiction with a recommendation to read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Now, this was a book I remember reading years ago, likely around the time people begin hyping up the first movie, so around 2012. In light of the new book of the prequel series, “Sunrise on the Reaping”, releasing on March 18 of this year, I followed through with the recommendation as now is as good of a time as ever to get back into the series. So, let’s talk about it!

    The story of the Hunger Games is set in the land of Panem, an alt-history dystopian landscape of what was once the American continent. In this version of history, the North American continent was devastated by natural disasters and wars, resulting in the rise of the “Capitol” as well as 13 separate districts specialized in specific industries. The capitol ruled Panem with an iron fist resulting in one of the district rebelling, district 13. The rebellion led by district 13 resulted in other districts rebelling, leading to what’s known as the “Dark Days”. The Capitol would ultimately win out, restoring order, while also wiping out district 13. They would also establish the Hunger Games, where one boy and one girl are selected as tribute to fight to the death in an arena as a reminder of the Capitol’s power. This becomes the status quo of Panem leading us to where the book starts.

    The story of the Hunger Games is told from the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl chosen as tribute for district 12 in the 74th Hunger Games. The tone and style of writing is simplistic and straight to the point. This isn’t necessarily a choice to fit the YA category, but rather, reflective of the narrator, Katniss, and her personality. Within the first couple of chapters, the reader is already given an idea of why Katniss is the way she is. With her father dying while she was young and left to take care of her little sister, Prim, without the help of her despondent mother, survival is at the core of her personality. Early on, everything she does revolves around survival, with little time for dilly dallying. This is reflected in the straightforward writing, which in my opinion, does a good job of moving the story along at a pace that doesn’t feel like it’s dragging on for the sake of it. There are no deep internal dialogues or intricate prose. The narration early on gives us an idea of Katniss’ thoughts and what comes next. Background is provided only where it’s needed and similarly, does not overstay it’s welcome.

    Something that did catch my attention early on was the fair amount of adult themes that surprised me for a YA fiction novel… though to be fair, based off my recollection of the YA fiction I did read in the past, many probably also had strong adult themes, they just didn’t quite stick with me.

    Here, in the Hunger Games, some themes are incredibly blatant. Katniss is a walking representation of the loss of innocence, and her sister, Prim, as well as Peeta – the other tribute of district 12 – are meant to contrast that loss of innocence. In fact, their innocence is what drives Katniss’ character development throughout the novel. This is further driven home by the character, Rue, who Collins seemed to want to develop further, but instead, killed her off before she could get the spotlight in favor of further driving home the contrasts between Katniss’ lack of innocence compared to those around her. Story wise, it is used as a plot device to give Katniss another advantage, Thresh. Is this a good thing? In my opinion, it misses the mark. Rue’s lack of development makes her death unemotional and makes it hard to emphasize with how Katniss must feel, as well as finding Thresh as a later ally not really rewarding.

    Now, I want to talk a bit about the romance in the novel. Overall, the romance in the Hunger Games feels quite natural and isn’t overbearing. It is clear that a love triangle of sorts is being setup between Gale and Peeta vying for Katniss. Certainly, at least in the first book, Peeta is the focus, with Katniss’ confusion playing a fake love story conflicting with her true emotions leaving Peeta, as well as the reader, equally confused as to how she ultimately feels. Again, Collins succeeds in making the inner conflict feel natural. After Peeta’s initial confession before the Hunger Games, Katniss realizes she’s going to have to play a narrative. After faking something long enough, it can become hard to separate what’s real and what’s fake. Clearly, Katniss has to deal with this distinction, but ultimately, is left to be resolved in the next books in the series.

    Overall, the Hunger Games starts off strong, developing Katniss as a character the audience can reliably root for. The world of Panem is also introduced, grand in scope, but localized in the story so that a narrative can be told. I look forward to see what happens next in Panem.

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